Category Archives: Plastic Surgery

Breast Lift Surgery Recovery

Recovery in case of breast lift cosmetic surgery will vary from one patient to another depending on several factors. Patients can improve their chances of overall satisfaction with the procedure when they are more informed about what to expect during recovery. The recovery process takes time, and the patient should be well-prepared in advance to make the recovery period easier.

An experienced plastic surgeon will provide detailed post-op instructions to help ensure safer and smoother recovery. Dr. Bryson Richards is a leading breast lift surgeon providing a host of procedures to patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities. Dr. Richards will discuss the estimated recovery process during the initial consultations.

Recovery in the First 15 Days

During the first 10 to 15 days, most patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. In the first week following breast lift plastic surgery, the patient may take prescription pain medications to gain relief. During the first 15 days, the patient should avoid sleeping on her stomach. Sponge baths are preferable until the sutures are removed. The surgeon will advise the best ways to stay more comfortable during this period.

The patient will be required to wear a surgical bra during the first few days after surgery. Thereafter, the bra will be replaced with a support bandage or sports bra which must be worn at all times for at least a month or more. Sutures are typically removed after a week or 10 days. Most patients can go back to work or resume light activities at home after a week. Vigorous exercises and lifting of heavy weights should be avoided until the healing is complete.

Recovery period will be reduced and risks will be cut down for smokers who stay committed to avoiding smoking at least a month before and after breast lift surgery. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richards will provide detailed instructions to his patients in Las Vegas, NV and other areas for breast lift recovery.

Recovery in the First Few Months

Final results of breast lift will start showing after about a month when swelling and bruising disappears almost completely. Minor numbness in the skin and nipples may remain, which will go away in about six to eight weeks.

Tingling or stinging sensation in the treated areas may be experienced by some patients as the nerves gradually return to normal function. The surgeon will advise patients not to lift anything over their head for the first two months, and avoid lifting heavier weights for another one to two months.

Scarring

Scarring will be fairly conspicuous in the first few months, with some of the scars appearing red and lumpy. However, as the months go by, scarring will continue to become lighter and fade into thin, white lines.

Some surgeons may recommend the use of cortisone cream or silicone sheeting to help reduce the appearance of scars. An experienced surgeon will choose the appropriate surgical technique and place the incisions in inconspicuous areas to keep the visibility of scars to the minimum.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Breast Lift Surgery Before and After Photos

Breasts can begin to sag due to a variety of factors, and have an adverse impact on the overall personality of a woman. Heavily sagging breasts may not be corrected with diet or exercise, and the woman may have to choose breast lift cosmetic surgery. In many cases, breast lift will involve repositioning of nipples along with the raising and firming up of the breasts.

At the time of initial consultation, many women may seek to clarify the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift. The plastic surgeon can make use of breast lift before and after photographs at this stage to explain the potential outcome of the procedure and help the candidate to make an informed choice. Experienced breast surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities for breast lift surgery.

What are Breast Lift Before and After Pictures?

Before and after pictures in case of breast lift plastic surgery refer to a set of images belonging to an earlier patient who has received the procedure successfully. The pictures are taken before the procedure and after the procedure at a stage when the swelling and bruising has disappeared and full results of breast lift are visible.

The surgeon will take the images with the patient’s consent and show them to new patients in a discreet way. The surgeon’s goal is to educate new patients about various aspects of breast lift surgery and help them make an informed choice. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV and nearby locations for breast lift surgery and other procedures.

Benefits

The first question for many new patients during the initial consultation is whether breast augmentation instead of breast lift may help them provide the necessary improvements. The surgeon will make use of breast lift before and after photos to explain them the pros and cons of both procedures, and help them choose the right surgery in their case.

In some cases, breast lift may have to be combined with breast augmentation to meet the patient’s goals. Relevant ‘before and after’ pictures in such cases may be presented during the initial consultation. With these photos, the patient will know broadly what a breast lift can or cannot do for her.

Being Realistic

One of the first priorities of a surgeon is to ensure that the patient has a positive mindset, clear aesthetic goals, and realistic expectations from the surgery. Breast lift before and after photos can be used to ensure that the patient obtains a clear idea of how her breast appearance may improve with the surgery. Patients with realistic expectations will generally achieve the best satisfaction levels.

Photos Online

The plastic surgeon has the choice to upload breast lift before and after photos on their practice website. New patients can access the photos online and review them in the privacy and comfort of their home or office. Once they have a better understanding of the procedure, it may help them make up their mind about visiting the surgeon’s office for a personal consultation.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery Candidates

Rhinoplasty, popularly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the shape or size of the nose to make it more proportionate and attractive. During the initial consultation process, the surgeon will evaluate the overall facial anatomy, the condition of the nose, and the patient’s unique aesthetic needs to determine whether they are a good candidate for rhinoplasty.

Dr. Bryson Richards is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty and other surgical and non-surgical procedures for the breast, body and face. Dr. Richards will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach to suit the needs of a patient. He receives patients from Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities for rhinoplasty.

Who needs Rhinoplasty?

A majority of people who seek a nose job or rhinoplasty plastic surgery are individuals who are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of the nose, whether in terms of its shape, size, bone structure, or another aesthetic anomaly. However, a smaller percentage of people seem this procedure because they experience discomfort or breathing difficulties, which may occur due to structural issues or a nose injury.

An optimal candidate for a nose job will be an individual with good general health, having realistic expectations, willing to stay away from smoking for several weeks, and having a clear understanding of the risks associated with a surgical procedure.

Fantastic Candidates

As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richards will recommend nose surgery only to the most suitable candidates in Las Vegas, NV, who can benefit from it in aesthetic or functional terms. According to him, a candidate for rhinoplasty may suffer from one or more of the following conditions:

• The nose size is excessively large or small in proportion to other facial features.
• A conspicuous bump is present on the nasal bridge.
• The nose is abnormally wide.
• The nasal tip is protruding, drooping, or enlarged.
• The nasal tip is bulbous.
• The nostrils are flared or pinched abnormally.
• The nose is crooked or off-center.
• Asymmetrical nose following an injury.
• Irregularities in the internal nose structure such as a deviated septum, causing breathing difficulties.

Do Teens Make Good Candidates?

Rhinoplasty ranks among the more popular cosmetic surgery procedures among the teens. However, it is important to ensure that the teenager is an appropriate candidate and is taking a responsible decision to fulfill an innate need. The candidate should not undergo this procedure out of parental or peer pressure.

Rhinoplasty for teens may be applied to modify the size, shape or overall appearance of the nose. In some cases, nose job and chin implant surgery may be combined to achieve more harmonious outcomes for the teens. Teen patients may typically need the following changes:

• Narrowing of the nasal bridge.
• Narrowing or widening of the nostrils.
• Straightening of a crooked nose.
• Refining the nasal tip.
• Altering the angle between the upper lip and nose.

Rhinoplasty for teens is usually recommended for girls who are above the age of 15, and boys who are above the age of 17 or 18.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery Recovery

Post-operative recovery is an important part of any cosmetic surgery procedure to ensure that the desired results are established with minimal or no complications. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a delicate surgery requiring careful preparation for the post-operative period as well as adherence to the surgeon’s instructions during recovery.

Dr. Bryson Richards is an eminent plastic surgeon providing rhinoplasty and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures. During the initial consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss all aspects of the surgery, including its estimated recovery process. Patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive state of the art surgery procedures from Dr. Richards.

Planning for Recovery Period

Apart from the detailed preparation for the day of surgery, it is equally important to plan for post-op care and take the required steps to make the recovery safe and smooth. The following steps can help ensure a better and faster recovery for a patient who has received rhinoplasty plastic surgery:

• If feasible, a caretaker should be arranged for at least the first 24 hours at home following the procedure.
• The patient should arrange for someone to drive them back home after surgery.
• Working patients should ensure a leave from work for at least one week with provision for extra days.
• A supply of cold compresses should be kept at home to reduce swelling.
• Any major household tasks or outside commitments should be taken care of prior to the surgery.

Post-Op Recovery

The cosmetic surgeon will provide the patient with thorough post-operative instructions, which should be followed conscientiously. The patients who adhere to the instructions may experience reduced pain and discomfort and have a safer recovery. Instructions that Dr. Richards provides to his patients in Las Vegas, NV and other areas include the following:

• Remain adequately hydrated.
• Take plenty of rest in the first week.
• Apply cold compresses frequently to minimize swelling.
• Avoid vigorous exercises and activities and heavy lifting.

Immediate Post-op Phase

The first 24 hours following rhinoplasty can be difficult with the after-effects of anesthesia and mild pain in the treated area. Pain medications may be prescribed by the surgeon for the first few days. Swelling, bruising, headaches, and nosebleeds are some of the symptoms that may occur in the first 48 hours. Patient should rest sufficiently in bed with their head elevated. Discomfort will reduce with each passing day.

Recovery after a Week

Splint, sutures, and nasal packing, if any, will be removed at the end of the first week. Most patients will be in a position to go back to a more regular routine or return to the workplace. Strenuous activities, however, should be avoided for at least a month for safer healing.

Blowing the nose should also be avoided as far as possible in the first few weeks. Most of the side effects during recovery are mild, and will disappear on their own. Minor swelling may be visible for several weeks, which will go away gradually.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Excessive fat deposits occur most commonly in the waist area for both men and women. A variety of causes may be responsible for this condition, such as sedentary lifestyles, heredity, disease, pregnancy, or surgery. If the stubborn fat tissue in the abdominal area does not respond to diet and exercise, the next best course may be to opt for cosmetic surgery to restore a flatter and firmer abdomen.

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are two of the major procedures that are designed to reduce excess fat pockets in the abdominal area. Dr. Bryson Richards is a dedicated and experienced plastic surgeon providing both these procedures to patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities.

Key Differences

Liposuction and tummy tuck are distinct from each other in several ways. The surgeon will discuss the differences with the patient and help them make the right choice during pre-op consultations.

Removal of Excess Fat and Skin

Sometimes the problem of excess fats in the belly area may also lead to overstretched skin and separated underlying muscles, making the abdomen sag heavily. This condition can be corrected with tummy tuck plastic surgery, which is designed to address each of these aspects. Liposuction, on the other hand, is primarily meant to cut down excess fats, but does not involve skin or muscle tightening.

Complex Procedure

Complexity is usually higher in case of tummy tuck surgery as compared to liposuction. The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia, and the duration of the procedure is longer. It will require a multi-pronged surgical approach to repair weak muscles, excise loose skin, and reduce excess fat tissue.

In contrast, liposuction surgery is a more conservative procedure, which is simpler and less invasive. However, the scope of liposuction is confined only to fat removal.

Length of Scars

Incision in case of tummy tuck surgery is usually longer, and in some cases, two incisions may be involved if both upper and lower abdomen needs to be addressed. The length of scar in case of liposuction will be smaller. Particularly, with tumescent liposuction technique, only minor scarring will occur due to very small incisions.

As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richards tries to ensure that the incisions are placed in discreet locations to keep the scars to the minimum. Patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding areas have an opportunity to receive both these procedures from Dr. Richards.

Duration of Recovery

In case of liposuction, the recovery period is relatively shorter due to smaller incisions. In about a week’s time, most patients will be ready to resume their daily activities or return to work. However, in case of a full tummy tuck surgery, the recovery period may range from about 10 to 14 days.

Candidates

Liposuction surgery is more suited for individuals who do not suffer from significant skin laxity, have moderate body weight, and only have fat accumulation in the abdomen, which is resistant to diet and exercise. Candidates for tummy tuck will generally have loose abdominal skin, muscle laxity, and fat deposits in the lower and upper abdomen.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070